This week kicks off 2020 Men’s Health Month, an annual awareness period solely dedicated to education and activities on the health and wellness of men and boys. Communities around the nation are recognizing Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week, a special awareness period recognized by Congress. The global activities associated with this month-long celebration this year are more important than ever, and now include encouraging men to fight the spread of COVID-19 by seeking early treatment for symptoms, practicing safe distancing, and being a role model for their children. This year, Men’s Health Week will be celebrated June 15-21 ending on Father’s Day. The week is celebrated as International Men’s Health Week around the globe and Friday, June 19, 2020 is Wear Blue Day.
Dr. Salvatore J. Giorgianni Jr., PharmD, Senior Science Advisor to Men’s Health Network (MHN) explained, “This Men’s Health Month poses many unique challenges associated with Coronavirus. We at MHN are concerned about the higher death rate among men, and recognize the need for men to ‘Man Up to Coronavirus (or COVID) by practicing hand washing, wearing masks, and social distancing.”
Dr. Jean Bonhomme, MD, MPH, Founder and Chairman, National Black Men’s Health Network, stated, “There needs to be greater recognition of the fact that the health of men and boys is not exclusively a men’s issue. Unfortunately men’s health outcomes negatively impact the stability of entire families as well as the economic productivity of society as a whole.” He continued, “Men’s health, women’s, children’s health and minority health need to be viewed as coequal partners in optimizing the health of communities as well as the overall health of the nation as a whole.”
A key part of the continued momentum is the social media campaign, including:
· #ShowUsYourBlue campaign: People all over the world take pictures of themselves and others wearing blue to increase awareness for men’s health.
· The #ShowUsYourBlue social media storm is on Wear Blue Friday, June 19, the Friday of Men’s Health Week
